Missouri pol files as a Republican and Democrat -- because he can

Thursday

Mar 27, 2008 at 12:01 AMMar 27, 2008 at 8:37 AM

A last-minute change in a candidate’s filing forced the clerk’s office to throw out one set of filing documents in exchange for a set for another position. By the end of the day, the candidate had filed for a total of three positions, withdrew from one race but still ended up filing to run for two positions representing two political parties.

Joyce L. Miller

A last-minute change in a candidate’s filing forced the clerk’s office to throw out one set of filing documents in exchange for a set for another position.

By the end of the day, the candidate had filed for a total of three positions, withdrew from one race but still ended up filing to run for two positions representing two political parties.

Bernie Mowinski says it is a matter of principle.

He first signed up to run against District 2 Commissioner Thom Gumm. In that race, Mowinski filed as a Republican. At the same time, Mowinski filed as a Democratic representative for Jasper Township.

Shortly after filing, Mowinski said he changed his mind. He decided that since the District 2 race had drawn a fairly large crowd of contenders, he would opt for an uncontested race. He withdrew as a candidate for the commission.

Instead, he filed as a Republican to run for Camden County Assessor, a position currently held by Eddie Whitworth, a Democrat.

Mowinski said he filed as a Republican in one race and a Democrat in another because he could. He says there is nothing in state statutes that prevents him from doing that.

Although he disagrees with the practice, he said he did it to prove a point.

As far as changing his mind and running for assessor instead of associate commissioner, he said he believes people need to have choices, and it’s not good for candidates to run without opposition.

On the other hand, Mowinski said if there are too many candidates, the election becomes convoluted. That has happened in the past with countywide elections, he said.

In 2006, Mowinski lost a bid for a seat on the Camdenton School Board. It was the second time Mowinski had run for a position on the board.

He is also a former candidate for 155th District state representative, a failed candidate for 33rd District senator and an unsuccessful candidate for the Camden County Presiding Commissioner’s seat.